Page 16 - All About History - Issue 34-16

Protest

How to

GOONSTRIKE HANG UP YOUR UNIFORM AND FIGHT

FOR YOUR CAUSE BRITAIN, 1980S

There were several miners’ strikes STRIKING GEAR
in the UK during the 20th century,
but none were as prominent as the Coal not dole
discontent shown in 1984-85. Prime
Minister Margaret Thatcher was Obviously you can shout loudly to get your
message across, but a catchy placard works
intent on privatising the long-time just as well.
nationalised coal industry, resulting
in one of the largest industrial
disputes in British history. Led by Stickers
Trade Unionist Arthur Scargill,
members of the National Union of Show your support and tell people
who you are and what you stand
Mineworkers (NUM) fought hard for with union stickers and badges.
to prevent the closure of pits and
losses of jobs after a period of steady
decline throughout the previous
decade. Over the next few months, Wrap up warm
violent clashes took place between
police and striking miners as both Protesting can take a long time,
so pack your anorak and your
sides refused to back down. woolly jumper for winter-time and
evening marches.
WHAT YOU’LL
NEED

Power in numbers
The bigger the group the louder
your collective voice, so act and
march as one for your best chance
of success.

MEGAPHONE

CATCHY SLOGAN

PROTEST PLACARD

Hold a ballot Take to the streets
SNACKS Before the strike can officially get off the ground, it needs Many of your peers will have similar views to you, so
1to start (and continue to be) on the right side of the 02 it shouldn’t be too difficult to persuade them to join up.
law. For a strike to be legal, a ballot must be held, with a clear If you are striking for economic reasons, contact similar groups
majority voting for the strike to happen. The employers must and unions in and around the local communities who could well
also be given a week’s notice before the start of the ballot and be seeking the same goals as you. Getting the regional or even
told the results as soon as possible. national media on your side would be a bonus.

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